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Re: Website as marketing tool

Debra,
  Having just looked at your website, I think it is marvelous, very well constructed. I also did a Google search on you, (using "Debra Lee Baldwin") and while I did come up with a few dozen hits to you, your web site did not come up. I did another with just Debra Baldwin and the first 4 were of other people with your name, and the 5th, was about a book of yours, good PR, but it did not include a link to your own website.
  Just for fun I did a Google on myself: "Thomas Leo Ogren" and my own website ( www.allergyfree-gardening.com ) did come up, but it was hit number 23 I think. I then did another search using just "Thomas Ogren" and this time my website came up 3rd from the top. The first two hits were web articles about my work and did include my website URL at the end of the articles.
 
  The point here: even if you have the greatest website around, if people aren't directed to it, how will they know to visit it? If they don't go there, how can it drive much business to you?
  I like to play a game, see how many hits directly to me or about me or about my work, as I can generate on Google and Yahoo and all the other big search engines. I've been pretty good at driving my numbers up and my web site keeps bringing me more interesting offers. These days everyone uses the Internet and almost all the editors and writers use the major search engines. I think you could get a lot more bang for the buck if these search engines directed more traffic to your site.
   Also, considering your extensive publishing experience, I think you could be better represented on the Web yourself, your name. For starters, per the Web and the search engines, you could set out to become THE Debra Baldwin, so that your name comes up first (with a link to your site). Your site is great. I'd concentrate more on how to drive traffic to it.
Tom
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 12:52 PM
Subject: [GWL] Website as marketing tool

Have those of you with websites found them to be effective marketing tools? If so, how have you gone about using your website to promote yourself?

            If you're an editor (or even if you're not), what sorts of things would you want to see in a writer's website? What might sell you on the writer's work...or turn you off?

            It seems to me a website ought to eliminate a writer's need to enclose a bio and clips with queries. I included testimonials, excerpts from award-winning articles and photojournalism samples on my website (but only if I own the copyright), plus a tour of my own "glitter garden."

            When putting the site together, I looked through the GWAA directory for other writers' sites, but found only those associated with commercial enterprises. If any of you are thinking of launching a website, you're welcome to use mine as a learning tool. And of course I'd be grateful for your input and constructive criticism!

Thank you,

Debra Lee Baldwin

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Debra Lee Baldwin
Freelance writer/editor
Award-winning journalist and author
(760) 749-6272
Sunwriter7@cox.net
www.debraleebaldwin.com
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